Saturday, October 9, 2010

"Hanging Some StarsTonight"

What's on my walls? Another image from the archives of Blue Sky Dreaming. 61/2"x71/2" acrylic, silver, fabric and thread collage and graphite. The title is "Hanging Some Stars Tonight" a line from a Laurie Anderson song. I was seriously listening to her in the 90's and this particular song was about hanging stars of Marlyn Monroe, Kennedy and others of our time. As I had recently become a widow, I created this mixed media piece thinking of the deep meaning. I painted the silver ladder and because I am afraid of heights I attached silver ropes. Metaphorically I hung my husband's star and when I pass this little piece even to this day , I can't help but smile. For me, in this case, art heals and sweetens life.

I don't consider my self high maintenance but I barely manage two maybe three days a week in the studio and the rest of my days are spent on lifes little chores. This week, pedicure, hair cut, produce, groceries, car wash, lawyer appointment and ongoing exercise class...oh yes, laundry,. cooking, fun with Pablo, coffee dates and I'm retired! Not all the work flows...sometimes it takes days, weeks to connect with a piece and bring it to the real world. So because my ongoing work isn't ready, I will fill-in with my older work or hopefully something interesting. I like the blogging and staying connected so expect me here but just not always with new work!

26 comments:

Oh, but we also like stories like this! Not necessary (imho)to come up with new art every time. Your activities sound familiair to many of us, I suppose, and being retired too I am just glad that I finally have time to do it all, if not now... Lovely 'old' piece btwGrtz,Regina

I know what you mean, Mary Ann; it's not always possible, for me either, to have new work to post on my blog. I really enjoy seeing your older work, though, because it's beautiful, but also because it allows me to get to know you better. Thanks for sharing this piece, along with this part of your life.

Mary Ann--I, too, love to hear from you despite if you have new work or not. I think it is also fun to see what other bloggers lives are all about and we all know that we do get busy. But, it is fun to stay connected too, I agree. I just LOVE this piece Mary Ann! I am thinking that it just might be one of my favorite ones that you have shown. It is really hard to pick though because you do such great work that all of them are so great. Thanks for posting this. Sounds like a busy but fun week you have had.

I liked getting to know you a bit more in this post. I have always been drawn to ladder symbology & like how it has become a connection to your mate for you. (Very nice piece!)Thanks for your comment over on my blog. Appreciation beaucoup!

I so understand and relate to what you're saying. There seems to be this mania out there these days about having to produce a piece of art work on a daily basis. Artists are not factories. Down time, breathing time, being time, maintenance time, relationship time, thinking time, resting time...all these facets are part of life and must be listened to and lived. When we're in a very creative space of producing a concentrated body of work, perhaps a daily output would be the "norm." As individual artists we each need to find our own rhythm. It's just as valuable and interesting to see your older work, which is new to me, and to learn the history and meaning of it as it is to see what's fresh from your studio. I really appreciate and respect your desire to remain connected to those who visit your blog.

Wonderful to see your work, old or new. Yes, when I could do nothing else, I could do my work. This is a beautiful piece and perhaps it is ageless. After all you are only speaking of when you created it. Thanks for sharing some of your daily life.

This one is a real "WOW". I love it. It is so coming from the dream world that it stopped me in my tracks. I understand about ladders. I make myself climb them, just so it won't control my life. But, really it does. don't you think that sometimes the thought to construct is just as much work as the time in the studio?Hanging some Stars is really, really amazing.

It was really special to read this story Maryanne and see the work.And its really hard to be at the studio constantly ..... archives are great... they provide such a link for us as visitors!I take pressure off by finding the work of others to post... whatever way one goes...its hard to put out the new all the time... lovely to visit here today!Sophie

Thank you for sharing this story and some of you wonderful earlier work. I think it is interesting to step back and view our past creations. I don't paint everyday. I paint in cycles.I often wonder how people manage to take care of their chores and daily affairs and give their full attention to painting.

I like your honesty about life's business and posting different work, not necessarily current work in your blog posts. I have to remind myself frequently that although I may be familiar with my old work, most other people aren't--and the more we see of an artist, the more we can appreciate! Thank you for helping us get to know you better!